Trouble logging in?If you can't remember your password or are having trouble logging in, you will have to reset your password. If you have trouble resetting your password (for example, if you lost access to the original email address), please do not start posting with a new account, as this is against the forum rules. If you create a temporary account, please contact us right away via Forum Support, and send us any information you can about your original account, such as the account name and any email address that may have been associated with it.

How do those cheer leaders with their little white booties do it? They must be bleeping knackered!

Yes, two hours of nonstop cheering is quite something. I'm especially impressed by the cheerleaders stationed near the main entrance, welcoming all the athletes, they were jumping and waving the entire time.

Be a bit wary.... the NBC production is always "US.US.US" over-focused so I wouldn't be putting it past them to tweak the sound. Its kind of obnoxious -- I watch the Games to watch *WORLD* atheletes and get glimpses of other cultures. ABC was always pretty good at that sort of objectivity, but NBC has put a rather tabloid gawdy twist on the Olympics since they won the rights.

Interesting to say the least. Strange times are sure to come, not during the Olympics or anything but in the years ahead.

Also interesting regarding the Taiwan situation, were they not allowed to fly there own flag? Not called Taiwan but Taipei?

Japan's entrance was very quiet

Were you watching the same ceremony I watched? ^^?

Taiwan continues to compete under the Olympic flag. Its team was introduced in English as "Chinese Taipei". It would have been too sensitive for them to use Taiwan, as that would suggest it's an independent country.

Japan's entrance was greeted by cheers. Even France received polite applause, despite the torch fracas in Paris earlier this year.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vexx

Be a bit wary.... the NBC production is always "US.US.US" over-focused so I wouldn't be putting it past them to tweak the sound.

Lol, ok. Perhaps the sound of cheering for Japan's entrance was edited at my end too. Whatever the case, it was evident from the faces of the athletes that they were enjoying the moment. That's what counts, in the end.

It's sad though, that Russia and Georgia are now on the brink of war despite the Games.

Ok... now I'm pissed... they're running a delayed broadcast through the commercials..... so we're missing several minutes at a time of the historical production.... wtf?
Its delayed!!! *why* skip any of it? bah.

Be a bit wary.... the NBC production is always "US.US.US" over-focused so I wouldn't be putting it past them to tweak the sound. Its kind of obnoxious -- I watch the Games to watch *WORLD* atheletes and get glimpses of other cultures. ABC was always pretty good at that sort of objectivity, but NBC has put a rather tabloid gawdy twist on the Olympics since they won the rights.

Are you watching from the US too, Vexx? If so, yeah they are rather white washed ^^. Which I'm watching on the NBC network too since all i got is basic cable.

But overall, which the opening ceremony is not entirely over yet, they just litted the torch. Overall, it was a very great display of Chinese customs and their role this time as the Host of the Olympics.

ps: Laughed at what the NBC spokes person said "This could be intimating" I would assume this meaning, China trying to showoff what they have and what they could do to outperform previous Olympics ^^.

Actually, you're right. Completely ignoring any underlying politics - the '36 opening was quite a showstopper as well. I also remember being fairly impressed with the Lillehammer and Nagano winter meet openers.

Well, the only Olympic openings I still vaguely remember are Seoul and Barcelona's. Barcelona's torch-lighting (literally a shot through the dark) remains the one to beat, in my opinion.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dorfl

Looks like I'm the only one who found the opening ceremony dreadfully boring and completely lacking in proper direction.

Actually, I'd agree slightly about the "lack of proper direction". The themes, while eye-dazzlingly spectacular, did not quite seem to gel. If it weren't for the running commentary, I wouldn't have known which parts of Chinese history were on show. In the end, the main points were centred on the "four great inventions" of gunpowder, paper, (tea?), printing and the compass. If there was an "overall point" to the show, I didn't get it.

But hey, when there are so many pretty colours (and girls) on display, who cares? Just enjoy the show.